The government reiterates that international aid will be accepted from diverse sources to support the relief effort.

Mexico announced additional assistance as part of broad regional support for Colombia’s relief operations.

Reconstruction priorities include hospitals, schools, homes, roads, and airports, with funding to come from national and international donors.

Aid from multiple countries, including Mexico, is being coordinated and welcomed without political considerations, across ideological lines.

Authorities and emergency services are providing updates on the disaster status and the evolving response on the ground.

A devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, hitting Cali, Pereira, and remote Chocó, with more than 280 confirmed deaths, thousands injured, and over 12,000 dwellings destroyed; roughly 350 people have been rescued and hundreds remain missing as of Friday morning.

Rescue teams and volunteers formed human chains to search rubble with basic tools, as rescuers describe the daunting conditions and ongoing efforts to locate survivors.

The first 72 hours after the quake are critical for saving lives, intensifying the time pressure on responders.

Humanitarian guidance emphasizes cash donations over in-kind goods to avoid overwhelming communities and to allow flexible, rapid responses by relief partners.

Experts, including Amazon’s Abe Diaz, say cash contributions preserve flexibility for recipient organizations and speed up aid delivery.

Officials stress sustained on-the-ground presence through peace-process networks to improve aid delivery in the humanitarian response.

AP reporting notes collaboration with The Conversation US and Lilly Endowment Inc., highlighting broader philanthropic coverage of the disaster.